Woman accused of stealing from employer to feed gambling addiction

JANESVILLE—A Janesville woman accused of stealing $73,000 from her employer said she suffers from gambling addiction, according to a criminal complaint filed in Rock County Court.

Cortney R. Kruckenberg, 30, of 2144 Mole Ave., Janesville, is charged with three counts of theft of more than $10,000 in a business setting.

Kruckenberg told investigators she had made out company checks to herself and to her credit card company using a rubber stamp of the signature of the president of Stratton and Sons of Janesville, a painting and decorating service, according to the complaint.

The thefts continued from 2011 to 2014, the complaint states.

Kruckenberg said she had worked for the company for seven years, starting as office manager, the complaint states.

Company officials said Kruckenberg was most recently in charge of making payments for accounts and payroll.

Kruckenberg was fired March 14, the complaint states.

Kruckenberg told investigators she is addicted to gambling and that she hoped she would get caught “because she was out of control,” the complaint states.

Kruckenberg said she usually went to the Dejope and Ho-Chunk casinos at least once a week and also bought Wisconsin Lottery scratch-off cards, the complaint states.

Kruckenberg said she is seeking help for her addiction, the complaint states.

Kruckenberg returned $9,350 to the company, the complaint states. When she turned the money over, she said “that is all I have,” according to the complaint.

Kruckenberg also deposited $3,000 into the company's account, so she still owes $60,650, the complaint states.